Anquan Boldin Sees 49ers as Formidable in 2014

Boldin stressed that Jim Harbaugh factored into his decision to stay with San Francisco through the 2014 season.

Anquan Boldin wanted to continue playing for the 49ers, and his third NFL team had the same feeling.

When general manager Trent Baalke issued a press release saying the 49ers were “pleased” to see the veteran receiver agree to a two-year contract to remain in San Francisco, the team’s CEO added to the thought.

Boldin, the 2013 Bill Walsh Award winner, said he felt appreciated in his first season in the Bay Area and that it was an easy decision to sign on through 2015.

“I just want to be able to compete for championships,” Boldin, the team’s leading receiver, said in a Monday conference call. “I think in ‘San Fran’ I had the best opportunity to do that.”

Boldin said he felt healthy enough to play for five more seasons. He also stressed that Jim Harbaugh factored into his decision to stay with the 49ers.

“I think we meshed,” the 33-year-old wideout said of his head coach. “He was good to me the entire year. I think the whole organization was. I was accepted right away. I think they used me the right way, so me and coach Harbaugh had a pretty good relationship.”

Boldin could have tested the free agency market for the first time in his NFL career, but ultimately, the comfort level of playing with the 49ers was too strong to ignore.

“It’s a situation (where) you don’t just think about yourself,” Boldin said. “I had family to think about. For me, I had to put them in a situation where they’re comfortable as well.

“I had a great time in ‘San Fran’ last year. We were welcomed with open arms. My family had a great time, they loved the area. They fit right in.”

Boldin, himself, fit in perfectly with the 49ers offense. He led the team with 85 catches and 1,179 receiving yards to go along with seven touchdown grabs. Boldin produced his sixth 1,000-yard receiving season and his first since 2009.

In the playoffs, Boldin added clutch performances to the tune of 16 catches for 227 yards and one touchdown.

Boldin admitted that he needed some time to adjust at the start. The physical, possession-style receiver had to learn a new offensive system and get his timing down with starting quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

It was hard to notice any struggles from Boldin after his 14-catch, 208-yard debut against the Green Bay Packers.

Nonetheless, Boldin developed comfort in San Francisco’s offensive scheme. The return of play-making wideout, Michael Crabtree also aided him tremendously

Boldin believes the 49ers can build on their NFC title game appearance.

“The more time we spend together, the more we learn each other and know each other’s strength and weaknesses,” the veteran said of the team’s passing attack. “I think once all of us have a chance to really work with each other, we’ll be fine.”

Boldin won’t have to play “catch up” entering his 12th season in the NFL.

If anything, Boldin will have a full offseason to build on what he started in San Francisco.

“I think we were a formidable offense,” Boldin said. “I don’t see that changing.”